Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

cheerioboy26

I just had my brake pads replaced today as I noted in another thread. How are fast-wearing pads worthy of class action? Safety issue, yes. But unsafe? Well, no....my pads hit the wear indicator just like every other car on the road. I got them replaced.

I'm not trying to defend Infiniti- I am not happy with the pad life I experienced. But I don't see how I have grounds to sue them over it.

dklanecky

I'm with cheerioboy26, it's simply a higher than normal maintenance issue. I

If you bought a RWD performance sedan, you're going to pay more for tires and brakes over the life of the car, regardless of make.

How can you sue for a "safety issue" if the brakes are telling you via the audible wear indicators that you need new pads every 7500 miles
or so?

I remember very well all the discussions on these boards when the G35 first came out about how great (some called them grabby) the brakes were.

This is just the cost of that "great" (grabby" braking performance, (IMO).

corkfish

Aftermarket rotors.

http://www.brakeworld.com/

msiseng

I would agree regarding the tire issue. If you burn-out (as the G35 does well), then you will wear tires and brakes quickly. The point is Infiniti made the brake pads with inferior parts. Numerous G35s are experiencing the same issues. The rotors are not much better. Many of us drive responsibly and do not expect to need new brakes under 8K miles!

That's not to say that I do not like beating a BMW off the line every now and then :-)

norcalmike2

I received my November issue of Car and Driver in the mail the other day. They have a list of over 145 cars they have tested on pages 166 and 167. They tested the G-35 braking distance from 70MPH at 153 feet. Only one car matched that figure. That was the Dodge Viper. Only one car tested better than the G-35. That was a $659,430.00 Enzo Ferrari that stopped a whopping 2 feet shorter than the G-35. Seeing that my
G-35 cost $629,430.00 LESS than a Ferrari, I can put up with higher than average brake maintenance costs considering how efficient they are.

rayainsw

Today's paper quotes the new awd G as being 300 pounds heavier than the rwd G - and starting at $32,445 including destination. On sale in Dec.

Interesting.

Has anyone seen EPA estimates?

- Ray
Looking forward to test driving one . . .

cheerioboy26

My rotors were fine...meaning not warped. I was talking with the tech and he showed me their list of ruels they must follow WRT specifications. On the front rotors, they are initially 24mm, and the minimum spec is 22mm. Mine were measured at 22.7. I was told that a proper turning would have removed approx 0.3 mm from each side, leaving approx 22.1m remaining, just 0.1 above spec. The tech said they would not perform that work since they would be bascially sending out a car that would go below spec within a very short time.....that's why replaced rotors is recommeded. He seemed to indicate that the difference between new and minimum had become smaller with the intro of the G.

msiseng

Interesting Like regarding Jim Coleman Infiniti in Bethesda, MD. Looks like things have not changed a bit since 1997...

http://cartalk.cars.com/Mail/Letters/01-17-97/4.html

kdshapiro

The 5 extra feet in which the G35 stops vs the BMW with the performance package, at 70 mph does not seem to be a justification for brakes wearing out at 7,500 mph. Hope Infinity gets it's act together and reformulates the brake pads.

habitat1

Good brake performance does not need to equate to excessive pad and rotor replacment. I don't have Novembers issue of C&D, but in August's, they list the 70-0 for the G35 coupe at 164' and the S2000 at 162'. I had my S2000 in for it's 15,000 mile service last week and was told that I have roughly 2/3 of front and rear pads remaining. The service manager indicated he has never had to replace rotors on an S2000, albeit not too many have yet passed 50,000 miles.

Furthermore, my 1995 Nissan Maxima has made it 144,000 miles on two front pad and one rear pad replacments, with no rotor turning needed (let alone replacment). It is my understanding that the 2000+ Maxima has much less durable brakes and rotors, resulting in numerous consumer complaints (see Maxima board). Perhaps the G35 follows this suit.

The Jim Coleman story is humorous. Unfortunately, most other's I've heard about the dealership are not.

Finally, I've noticed in the Washington Post this weekend ads for G35 sedans and FX35's at $500 over invoice. FX45's are at $1,000 under invoice. I thought these were "hot" vehicles?!?. I'd be interested in at least giving a G35 sedan 6-speed a try. Anyone out there with one that has comments to share? Would $5000 over invoice be a good deal on a 6-speed?

robmarch

I have a 96 altima, manual transaxle, and I got 120k out of the rotors and 100k out of the pads. (I replaced the pads at 20k when I bought the car used.) Cars are getting heavier, though, and the brake rotor mass isn't getting increased enough to keep up, especially on automatic cars where the brakes are used a lot more.

the latest audi a4's are actually showing heavy brake fade in testing, since the new version is significantly heavier, which many of the magazines are lamenting.

sjk2575

I suspect that there may be a problem with whole brake system not just parts like pads. An early version of '03 G35 sedan driven by an experienced female driver for every other day in average in light traffic should NOT require brake pads and rotors replaced after 5,000 miles of usage. (no speeding or hard braking)

At about 4,000miles, The car was brought in for the constant brake noise. Infiniti replaced the whole brake system front and back without telling the owner of the vehicle. Later, she was told that Infiniti took the parts for further research. (however, the noise came back)

The brake fluid level found low after about 7,000miles. (the car's been serviced at Infiniti dealer which they are supposed to top off every fluid after every service)

At about 9,000 miles and an year after the day of purchase, she was told to replce the front pads and rotors. (Remember, Everything was replaced at 4,000 miles) This time, the dealer blamed the problem on her driving habit and asked her to pay for the service. (she fought and got it under warranty-but the dealer basically told her not to come back for the same problem)

Despite the dealer was specifically asked to save the old parts, they threw them away blaming miscommunication. Funny part is the one of new pads has the big circle of noticeable scratch mark on the same side at almost exact same location as the old pad which was originally blamed for the cause of the brake noise by the dealer.

My suspicion is that there may be a problem with the whole brake system like the pressure is applied equally or something considering all too quick wear-out of brakes and consumption of brake fluid. (I'm not a mechanic)

For those who do not have G35 with unthinkable defects, you are blessed. However, for owners with problem...

I just wrote this becuase I know that the dealers usually blame the brake problem on the owner's driving habit. That's NOT true!!!

micked

I have not driven the g35 yet but did drive the fx35. I also test drove the new tl and loved it. I am waiting for the AWD g35 before driving it, but in the meantime for those of you that drove both cars, how does the ride compare? How does the g35 ride compare to the fx?

Thanks,

Eddie G

robmarch

are found more in automatic cars, making it easy to blame the driving habits of the owner. But, I agree that it's usually the fault of a rotor that is undersized for the amount of heat to be absorbed. Large Rotor Mass is what prevents warping. Unless you're driving around with your left foot on the brake all of the time, rotors shouldn't warp at all, I think.

My nissan dealer also services Hyundais, and it seems like every time I'm there he is explaining to someone that warped rotors are one of the only things not covered by their warranty, and giving the owner the Hyundai customer service number to complain. As cars are getting heavier, manufacturers need to increase rotor mass to cope with the increasing heat capacity required.

stebu

Oh, this is an age old problem. Some manufacturers have been known to under-engineer their brake systems from time to time. Ask anyone who owned and early 80's Subaru GL about warped rotors.

chrisboth

Warping is one problem but isn't this one about early wear. I'm sure any brakes can be warped, wonder what % of G's warp compared to similar cars.

Since the car has the 2nd shortest breaking distance from 70 of any production cars in the world, it would be safe to say that rotor mass is not an issue..have you seen the size of those puppies. I have slammed my brakes from 80 to 0 50 times and not a hint of any warpage.

robmarch

are not really related. brake fade and rotor mass are, as well as warping. Rotor diameter comes into play, but the mass is what holds the heat, and the heat is what causes fade. I think nearly all rotors on the market today have the heat capacity for one 80-0 stop without fade.

Stopping distance is more about swept pad area and applied force, as well as tires(an often forgotten part of the equation).

"warping" covers a lot of things, including pad material transfer to the rotor, several of which can accelerate pad wear. I'm not sure what the factors are in the G35, exactly. Are the brembo's exhibiting the same problems?

Sometimes a pad's compound can change with heat cycling...some get harder and some get softer.

chrisboth

You are assuming that an extraordinary amount of cars are affected with warping. I don't see this problem on the G35 boards. The only issue I am aware of is early wear. If my breaks were going to warp some of those 120-0 stops would have done it - just like similar stops in lesser cars have driven me straight to the brake shop. A few people can have warped brakes just like all other makes.

birdman579

Hyundais have very good brakes. My girl friend has an Elantra with 30K miles and no brake problems. They're as smooth and strong as when it was new. My Saturn is another story. I need the front rotors turned every 15-20K miles. Luckily the rotors are pretty thick and can be turned 2-3 times before needing replacement. Nonetheless, I would hope a luxury car like the G35 would have better brakes than my 11 year old Saturn. Maybe that's hoping for too much.

tetedepierre

Replaced front pads and rotors on 95 Saab900 at 90000 miles. Rear brakes still have wear left at 110000 miles. Are these figures I see here on brake replacement below 10000 miles characteristic of G35 only.

sopecreek

That must be from mostly (>80%) highway driving...

oman9

I do not own a G35, have a 98 I30t which has been and is a great car, low maintenance, no excessive brake pad/rotor wear issues.

Question I have for those of you who own this G35 (which I have driven as a loaner from my dealership and have been very impressed with) is in the owners manuals for the car there is always a maintenance schedule. Curious what it says re: intervals for brake pad wear.

I am probably about to answer my question as I type this by saying it probably just says "Inspect brakes" or something to that effect vs. replace brake pads thereby not really offering up expected wear intervals. I realize wear intervals will vary depending on driving style, but was just wondering if anywhere in the owners manual it addresses this...probably not, just wondering...

eticketride

From what I recall and my driving style, the manual says for service option 2 that the brakes should have their first inspection at 15,000 miles. If you went strictly by the manual, the brakes would have been worn out before the first inspection. I think service option 1 inspected the brakes at 7,500 miles, but I'm not sure.

chrisboth

There's a guy on a G board that has written everyone and copies the world to get his case out there for brakes. He says he spoke to a higher level Infiniti manager that predicts the US will offer the same type deal the canadians got. They have to be consistent. I'd be happy to get 30k under warranty.

robmarch

sometimes "warped" is also the term used to describe rotors with excessive pad material transferred to the rotor, and baked hard. This surface can wear the pads more than the rotor surface, even if the brake system doesn't exhibit any of the classic symptoms of "warped" rotors, such as vibration, etc.

turning the rotors can remove this pad material, and since the solution is the same, some shops just use the term "warped" to describe the situation.

I'm not saying this is the culprit here, just that it's the kind of thing that can happen to explain the pad wear. This would still be an unacceptable situation, and the parts should still be covered under warranty, in my opinion.

have people had the same issue with the Brembo's?

tetedepierre

I would say about 75% of what you call highway driving. And I never never slam on the brakes except to avoid a collision. But, 90,000 vs 7500! Something seems drastically wrong with the Infiniti's brake design.And if that is bad what else may be waiting for repairs. It's enoough to make me think I wouldn't want to buy one. I know from my Saab that repairs are verrry expensive. As I saw on another post it should be spelt Sob when you get it repaired.

robmarch

"Hyundais have very good brakes. My girl friend has an Elantra with 30K miles and no brake problems. They're as smooth and strong as when it was new. My Saturn is another story. I need the front rotors turned every 15-20K miles. Luckily the rotors are pretty thick and can be turned 2-3 times before needing replacement. Nonetheless, I would hope a luxury car like the G35 would have better brakes than my 11 year old Saturn. Maybe that's hoping for too much."

What year Hyundai? It's possible they have learned from their problem and fixed it on the newer cars. Or, it's also possible that your girlfriend's driving style is easy on the rotors. I've been to the dealer around 10 times in the past 2 years, and have heard the above discussion at least 5 times. The customers were very upset, as I'm sure those in this thread can relate to.

I'd suspect that Saturn may have learned a little in the time being too.

ps...turning your rotors actually makes warping problems worse, not better, and is a short term fix. I'd definitely replace your rotors (yourself, if you need to...let me know), with pad changes. Turning the rotors removes mass from a system that already has proven that it can't handle the heat capacity it requires.

You have an automatic, if I remember correctly? This would put even more stress on the rotors, since automatics don't take advantage of engine compression braking to slow down as much.

to you, and everyone, I'm not trying to belittle the problem, just interested in figuring out what's causing it.

robmarch

is your car a manual? I saw similar mileages from my manual Altima. What I found when I replaced them, though, was similar to the situation with tires. My tires had been heatcycled so many times that they still had 90% thread depth, but the compound had become rock hard and cornering and braking were suffering.

In the case of the brakes, the pads had glazed over and the wear mechanism in the system was the pads eating the rotors, not the rotors eating the pads, as designed. Infiniti may have specified a softer pad to protect the more expensive rotors, and they may have gone a little too far. who knows?

tetedepierre

Not manual,6cyl automatic. But even though its a 95 it does have compression braking when you let up on the gas. From other posts I gather this is something new on a lot of makes. When they replaced the pads they replaced the rotors too. Said this was standard practice to avoid future problems. After 90000 miles who was I to argue.

lmacmil

A rotor can become warped (think potato chip) from uneven or excessive lug nut torques. When you get your tires rotated, make sure the mechanic uses a torque wrench and not an impact wrench.

The cause of most brake pedal pulsation is DTV (disc thickness variation) which can result from any number of caliper, bearing, or lining issues. It's a huge problem for both the OEMs and the brake system suppliers and there is no easy fix that doesn't result in a compromise somewhere else in the brake system.

ficuss

does your odometer display miles or kilometers?

tetedepierre

While I am in Canada now my permanent residence is in Florida and car was purchased in FL. Odometer is set to display miles. Other car I am considering is a Cadillac CTS. Owners will be getting about 35000 miles on their brakes and this is more acceptable, To buy a car and have a brake job every 10000 miles or so just seems ridiculous.

chrisboth

The brakes are now warranateed...

cjs2002

I noticed on the edmunds board that you can now price out an AWD version of the G, I'm debating getting either the G or the X type jag, (which is AWD), I don't thikn I really want the G as an AWD considering its a new hot item, and I don't think dearlors are that ready to negotiate better prices. I'm getting close to the wire in which I have to make a final decision between these two cars, any other advice or info is welcome.

cheerioboy26

I'm agree that trying to deal on a G35x will be tough since they are not even due to begin arriving until late Nov/early Dec., and initially supply will be short. There's lots of room to negotiate on RWD sedans, though.

eco

I have just got a set of winter tires in size 205/65/16. The tires currently mounted are 215/55/17, and the sticker on the car list 30psi for the pressure. Unfortunately, there is no information on tire pressure in the manual (they refer to the sticker). If I am not mistaken, the base US model has tires in this size (205/65/16). So, is there an owner of such model on this board who also wouldn't mind posting the number from the sticker?

gregory28

An Infiniti dealer in New Jersey is willing to negotiate on the AWD G-35. I haven't purchased one but they said they would definitely offer a deal.

http://www.flemington.com

bryann

i am in the market for a new car and am looking for a good sport sedan. i have seen comparisons with the new TL, but has anyone else considered the Volvo S60 as well? I will say i am really leaning toward the G35, but these others are putting up a pretty good fight. thanks.

klayfish

bryann,
My wife and I are in the exact same situation as you. Now this car is for her, not me. She currently owns a 2001 Acura 3.2TL. We love the car, but it is too "soft" for her. Rides a little floaty, soft sprung suspension. Fantastic car, we love it, but just not her taste.

We looked at the Volvo V70 (the wagon version of the S60). We didn't like it. For the money paid, you don't get a lot. It's a very safe car and very well built, it just didn't strike us right.

We went and test drove the new TL twice. What a phenomenal car. So well laid out. Inside is very well appointed and tastefully done. The stereo is something you have to hear to believe (make sure the dealer plays you the demo audio CD). It is probably the smoothest car you will drive. Quiet, refined. The downsides to it...It still is a front driver and has front drive feel to it. I thought the variable assist steering felt artificial. And mostly, the car still lacks a "personality". Just like our current TL, the car is so refined and so smooth, it is almost boring. Just a great appliance to get from A to B in great comfort and reliability.

We considered the MB C Class and BMW 3 series, but to equip them well is $$$ and reliability is an issue.

We test drove the G35 twice. The interior has some questionably place controls, and the styling can be controversial. But the engine has a nice snarl to it, and the VQ series engine is one of the best motors around. Nice torque curve, so it pulls well. The car is really fast. It handles like a large go-cart. The ride is firm but not abusive. The brakes stop on a dime. There were some issues with the early 2003 G35 brake rotors, but Infiniti has said the problem is corrected and dealers are given written warranties to stand behind them. Steering is direct and good feel. The back seat is bigger than the TL (we are expecting our first child in March). Really, the best way I can describe it is that it feels like what it is...a much larger Nissan 350Z with lots of luxury. A great mix of sport, luxury and comfort. That was the car she wanted.

It comes pretty well loaded, but not as much as the TL. It has standard traction control, stability control, heated seats, plus all the normal power things.

Price is the other issue. The TL is $33,195 to start, and there are NO deals on it, as it just came out. The TL comes fully loaded, but if you put a spoiler, other interior trim, etc... on it, you go easily over $34,000. The G35 we are going to buy has the "Premium Package" (dual zone climate control, sunroof, reclining rear seats, etc...) a rear spoiler and wood grain interior trim package, and we are getting it for $32,150. So, the price difference is close to $2000. Not a huge difference when talking about $35K cars, but a consideration.

I would suggest driving both cars to determine which one you like better. To me, they are both equally great cars. Just different ways of going about it. The TL is the luxury, comfort front drive approach (though it is much sportier than our TL). The G35 is the rear drive, sports car with 4 doors, and luxury thrown in afterwards, approach.

Steve

msiseng

If you all are even considering the Volvo (Ford), then why not look at the Jaguar X-Type (Ford)? From experience, it is a wonderful car and the service is fantastic. It is more aggressive with pricing, however. The new X Type-R is screaming fast and the car has AWD. Many of my friends have The X Type - not many problems. If there is a problem, it is fixed immediately without aggravation. They even give you a better car to drive as a pre-sales effort.

The S-Type is also nice, but is far more expensive. Just considerations you may want to look at.

I agree the Acura is nice. My in-laws have the car and I must say Acura did a great job. I think it is nicer than my G35. With many nice cars saturating the market, it is hard to choose, huh? This is great for consumers.

And you really think those of us with the early G35s received (or will receive) written warranties from Infiniti? Who is smoking what because I want some! I just have to laugh at this point because it helps me to remain sane.

chrisboth

it's happening here - laughing is good since you'll be getting money back if they retoactively apply the warranty whcih we expect our lux maker to do.

klayfish

I don't want to be THAT friendly with the dealership, so I'll stay away from Jaguar. ;-D Seriously, their quality reputation is far too poor for me to seriously consider them.

I can assure you I'm not smoking anything. I made it very clear to the dealer that before I bought the car I wanted the brakes issue addressed, and they have agreed to put a specific warranty in writing on them.

msiseng

Now I get it..the dealer warranties the brakes, not Infiniti as the company? If so, that makes sense. Infiniti would never be so kind to the consumer unless pressed legally AND through the government. Maybe this is happening? Never say "never."

You obviously did not shop at Jim Coleman Infiniti in Bethesda, MD. What Infiniti dealership is so kind? Please let us know and maybe some will use them in the future... Seriously. Sounds like you are getting a deal!

Regarding the Jaguar, the line has come a long way since Ford purchased it. It may be worth a look. Do you hear of many recent unhappy Jaguar owners? Read the message boards and judge for yourself. While the older models required frequent dealership visits, the same is not true of late. Just a suggestion if you are looking at the other luxury automobiles.

What ever became of the Chrysler Crossfire discussions? An American car made in Germany? Is it a serious competitor to the G35?

klayfish

I'm just busting chops on the Jaguar. But from all I've read, they still have a little way to go in quality control. Yes, they offer dealer service, but I'd rather not have to see the dealer again. And with a baby on the way, the Jags' interior is too cozy. Need more room.

As for the brakes, they didn't come out and offer it in writing. It was only after I raised concerns about the brakes, that the sales people went and talked to the service managers, and then they came back to me and said they would be willing to warranty the brake rotors in writing for me. I've yet to see the written deal, but I made it clear it was important to me. Their whole point is that Infiniti and its' dealers will stand behind their customers and do the right thing. I've been dealing with dealerships here in southeast PA. Infiniti of West Chester, Willow Grove Infiniti, Infiniti of Ardmore.

klayfish

I think this is in the right area now. I'm still learning.

Many of you have probably seen me crawling around the G35 boards recently. As I've said, we're about to trade my wifes' 2001 Acura 3.2TL in for a 2004 G35 sedan. Something about the G35 has me a little nervous. I'm not sure what it is.

Overall, are you glad you bought the car, or do you wish you had bought something else? Handling, gas mileage, reliability, snow traction, comfort, etc....? Good, bad, indifferent, what are you thoughts on living with this car day to day?

Steve

klayfish

I tried to make a new post about the G35 sedan, titled "Sedan Owners, are you happy with your purchase". But it got listed as "read only". I really could use some feedback. How does one change this??

Steve

Kirstie_H

klayfish, it's read-only because we want to keep the conversation about this vehicle in the many existing discussions, rather than create a whole new one. Spreading the information out makes it difficult for members to find conversation on the G35. The discussion you're in is the correct place to ask questions about the G35.

We also have an active Infiniti Owners Clubs area, if you'd like to stop by there as well. If you need any more help getting around Town Hall, just e-mail me or the board host, Pat, and we'll help you out.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

bryann

thanks. this car is also for the wife. we are replacing a 1998 Maxima SE. we have 2 kids and i drive the odyssey, but every now and again, we need to take the kid or kids in the sedan. I am not a big fan of honda/acura because i have felt that they have very little personality. i know, i know, i own a honda. my wife wanted the odyssey and in 2001, that was the best van out there. thanks, and your observations sound the same.

MSiseng.

i test drove the G35 at Jim coleman in Bethesda as well. the car is a hoot to drive, but i am very wary of the dealerships treatment from this thread. i live in Howard county and will probably go to the infiniti dealer on Rte. 40. sorry i don't know the name and hope they are better. from what i am reading, doesn't seem like they can be worse. so i guess i will give them a try. thought about the jag, but have never been a big fan. also the reliabitly issue in the past has always kind of scared me away. good suggestion though.

thanks for the helpful insights all.

cheerioboy26

Infiniti corporate paid for my rotors (parts/labor), Passport paid for the labor on the pads, and I paid for the pads. About $80. I'll pass 20K today.

klayfish - I'm very happy with my purchase. The car is a blast to drive (I also have a 00 Maxima.)I bought a sedan in May 02 about 2 months after the car came out. I knew being a new model there would be a few kinks, and there were. All were taken care of. I have no rattles. You've been around the boards to read about opinions on the interior, button layout, etc. My only gripe is the fast-wearing brakes, but on my recent service, the dealer gave me an acceptable solution. That doesn't mean I am 100% satisfied - no. I don't think the pads should wear out so fast.

I, like msiseng bought my car from Coleman. Passport wasn't open at the time. I had no problems with Coleman service but it was only for minor stuff, a recall, oild change or whatever in the first 10K miles or so. I go to Passport now.

msiseng

Heard nothing but good things about them. Spoke to them myself and really think they do what is in the consumer's best interest. They are a viable alternative to the rude people at Coleman.